National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has condemned the growing trend of Kenyans celebrating on social media when politicians face misfortunes, including death, urging citizens to uphold empathy and respect.
Speaking during the requiem mass of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were at the Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi, Junet reminded mourners that leaders are also human beings with families and emotions.
“I want to ask Kenyans who celebrate the death of a leader to stop it. Politicians are also fathers, they are husbands and have families,” he said.
The Suna East MP criticized what he described as a toxic culture online, where the suffering or death of public figures is mocked or turned into political point-scoring.
He encouraged dissatisfied citizens to express their discontent through the ballot rather than public ridicule.
“If you have a problem with a politician, wait for elections and deal with him. Do not celebrate when he has a problem,” Junet stated.
“Even those celebrating today will also die one day, and they will not want people to cheer their demise.”
Junet also called for respect towards grieving families, emphasizing that public figures still deserve dignity in death.
“Please respect families of politicians. Let’s accord them the necessary support when they are grieving,” he appealed.
The MP further warned against spreading unverified claims, particularly in emotionally charged situations such as the death of Were. He urged investigative agencies to move swiftly in concluding the probe into the brutal killing of the Kasipul legislator.
Were was shot dead on April 30 near the City Mortuary in Nairobi by a lone gunman who escaped on a motorbike. Investigators revealed the assailant had trailed the MP’s vehicle from the CBD, suggesting a premeditated attack. An autopsy confirmed that he was shot five times at close range.
“We are not saying this because he was an MP. He was a Kenyan; a father; a leader with the mandate of over 100,000 people,” said Junet.
Junet concluded by demanding answers for Were’s constituents and family, saying closure can only be achieved through a transparent investigation.
“All those he represented want to know why their MP was killed. Investigative agencies must give answers so that the family can come to terms with the loss of their loved one.”
